WACO, TX — After weeks of lockdown due to the pandemic, many thought the summer of 2020 would go on without being able to enjoy water slides or float down a lazy river, but that all changed with big news from the governor Tuesday.
Hawaiian Falls in Waco has sat empty since September 2 of last year, but today, lifeguards practiced safety protocols and landscaping crews put some final touches to the grounds.
“We are not going to force anybody to leave, so we’re encouraging people to come early, and once we hit capacity, we will stop people from coming in the park. As people leave, we will allow people to come in,” said Park Director Justin Litton.
Hawaiian Falls will unveil a new water attraction.
Of course, the park has new restrictions to follow, including a 25% capacity rule, along with tables and chairs placed at six-feet apart, and a team designated for cleaning.
“Our team members will have face masks on. We will be wiping everything down. The water behind me has shown that it does not transmit in this water. All our team members are going through the COVID-19 trainings. We have been preparing for two months, and we are ready, and we are excited to bring everybody here,” said Litton.
Hawaiian Falls is donating more than 1,900 free season passes to workers at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center as a way to say thank you to those on the front line of the fight against COVID-19.
“We wanted to have a way to say thank you. Please come out and enjoy some time, because they have all been working lots and lots of hours," said Litton.
The new attraction this summer will be called "Kona Bay," which will be a family play area with a multi-level waterplay structure. Kona Bay is scheduled to be finished in June.
For more information on season passes or safety protocols for Hawaiian Falls, click here.
